The World Now Has 12 Million Millionaires

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- The number of millionaires on the planet surged by 9.2 percent in 2012 to 12 million -- an increase of one million -- according to the 17th annual World Wealth Report

That overall figure also includes people who are billionaires, which last numbered around 1,426 back in May.

It means that the collective wealth of all these rich people is now $46.2 trillion in high net worth assets. North America leads the way with $12.7 trillion, followed by Asia-Pacific with $12 trillion.

Much of their very good fortune has to do with increased GDP growth as well as the equity and real estate markets bouncing back after several years of decline.

The super rich -- those with at least $30 million to invest -- enjoyed the biggest gains with their assets rising 11 percent on average last year.